Arrival
When arriving in the United States, both F and M students must:
- Enter the United States no more than 30 days before the program of study begins.
- Immediately contact a Designated School Official (DSO) upon entering the United States by filling out the F-1 Check-in.
- Contact a DSO again upon arriving at school—no later than the program start date listed on your Form I-20.
- For assistance, email iss@usanu.edu.
Education
While studying in the United States, F-1 students must:
- Attend all classes and maintain satisfactory academic progress. If you find the coursework challenging.
- Maintain a full course of study each term. If unable to study full time, contact a DSO for eligibility for a reduced course load (request via ssp@usanu.edu).
- Speak with a DSO before dropping any class.
- Discuss any potential F-1 Program Extension with a DSO before your program end date listed on the Form I-20.
Annual Vacation for F-1 Students
Pursuant to 8 CFR §214.2(f), USANU permits F-1 students to take an annual vacation after completing the academic year requirement at an SEVP-certified school—once every year thereafter and only during the Summer term.
During this vacation, you are not required to register for a full course load, but you must plan to enroll in the following semester. Approval must be obtained from a P/DSO before traveling, and you must secure a travel endorsement on your Form I-20.
Note: Annual vacation is not granted if you:
- Begin your program in the Summer term (for that calendar year).
- Are F-1 Initial, COS, or Reinstatement students in your first semester.
- Are on Academic Probation or Financial Hold.
- Return from a Leave of Absence during Summer without full-time enrollment.
Traveling Outside the US
If you plan to travel internationally—whether for annual vacation or school breaks—ensure you:
- Obtain prior approval from your P/DSO and secure a travel endorsement on your Form I-20.
- Travel only under authorized circumstances: annual vacation, emergency leave, leave of absence, or to reenter with a new Form I-20.
Contact adm@usanu.edu for further guidance.
Work and Practical Training for F-1 Students
F-1 students may only work when authorized by a DSO or USCIS. Unauthorized work can lead to immediate termination of your status and may bar future reentry.
You may be eligible for:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during your program.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing your studies (with possible STEM extension for eligible degrees).
Upon Program Completion
After finishing your program and any authorized training period, you have 60 days to leave the United States unless you take action to change your status. Options include transferring to another school, changing education level, or applying for a different visa status.
Talk with a DSO
It is critical to speak with a Designated School Official (DSO) if you plan to:
- Change major, program, or degree level.
- Transfer schools or take a leave of absence.
- Travel outside the United States.
- Move to a new address or request a program extension.